The transition from summer to school season holds a special place in many families’ traditions. Historically, the school year in rural areas began after Labor Day. This timing accommodated farm families who relied on child labor during harvests. Sweltering heat in August compounded the situation. Classrooms without air conditioning made early starts difficult.
In 1976, celebrating America’s bicentennial tied into these traditions. Our family marked milestones with a symbolic ‘farm liberty bell,’ painted red, white, and blue. Positioned near our patio steps, it came from flea market neighbors, the Roys. An engraved eagle topped this bell, bearing the dates 1776-1976.
The bell served as a communication tool before cellphones. My mother used it to call us for meals. Neighboring farms had similar bells—a tradition among families like the Spenners, Scamerhorns, Skudernas, Paulsens, and Wappels.
Even today, remnants of that celebration survive. Our house features rubber ‘welcome’ mats with eagle and flag designs from 1976, still marking entryways. Maine coon cat Tracker strolls over these mats, adding to their historical charm.
Memories of school days bring to mind afternoon snacks. Returning from school, we were greeted by the aroma of chocolate chip cookies. Our neighbors, the Paulsens, were integral to these memories. My brother Tom worked on their dairy farm, where their mother Sue Paulsen prepared hearty meals. A teacher at San Pierre Elementary, Sue taught both me and my siblings. She retired in 1977 and passed away in 2021 at age 90.
Sue’s legacy includes her easy, no-bake Peanut Butter Globes recipe. Ideal for after-school snacks, this hands-on recipe was part of her classroom teachings.
Peanut Butter Globes Recipe
Makes two dozen
- 1 cup creamy-style peanut butter
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.
- Form the mixture into balls about the size of a small walnut.
- Line them on a cookie sheet.
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
For further correspondence or inquiries, reach out to columnist Philip Potempa via email at [email protected] or by mail: From the Farm, PO Box 68, San Pierre, Indiana 46374.